4 Things to Avoid When Designing A Productive Home Office

Furnishing and decorating a home office can be difficult if you don’t have much experience with interior design. For your home office to be comfortable to work in and be good for your productivity, you need to do a few things right in order for the space to come together. While choosing amply sized furniture and the right computer setup is ideal, other design choices may not be as clear.

To make sure that your home office is as effective as possible at encouraging you to work, avoid the following design choices.

Dim Lighting
Many people experience eye-strain due to the lighting in their office, especially if they spend much of their time staring at a computer screen or papers. While natural lighting is one of the most effective ways to brighten up an office without feeling artificial, try to utilize task and ambient lights. The combination of focused task lights directed towards your desk and ambient lighting that can keep your eyes relaxed will give your office the look you desire.

Missing Storage
Your home office is likely where you will store everything from important paperwork related to work to supplies needed for your job. Regardless of what kind of items you use during a regular workday, it is vital that you have the necessary storage for everything. If your office is not a conventional size, (and the budget allows) it may be worth hiring the services of a local carpenter, to get a few fitted units, drawers etc, to help maximise space in your new office. In addition, drawers in your desk, bookshelves, and even a safe can all provide a clear space for your items to be stored safely.

Bright and Colourful Patterns
While you may not be shy around bright colours or patterns for the rest of your home, they should typically be avoided for use in the office. If your office feels too busy with the conflicting colours and shapes on the walls, rug, or other pieces of decoration, it can be hard to focus on the task at hand. Instead, try neutral colours and subtle patterns.

Powerful Fans
Your home office can quickly become one of the warmest places in your home due to the heat that your computer and the lighting can produce. While you will want your office to stay cool so that you can work without getting overheated, you should avoid any heavy fans that could blow your papers around or dry out your eyes. Keeping your home office cool without the use of powerful fans can be done by drawing the blinds and utilizing your air conditioner to keep the office at around 78 degrees.

Taking the time to decorate your home office can make a world of difference in how easy it is to get your work done every day. With the above design features avoided and the tips incorporated into your office, you should be able to work more productively.